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Pangula Mannamurna Inc. |
our health in our hands population health introduction chronic disease child & maternal health < immunisation quit smoking drug & alcohol awareness nutrition child & maternal health The overwhelming majority of pregnancies in Australia do not result in severe illness or death. However, pregnancy, childbirth and infancy remain a time of vulnerability especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and children. Many factors which affect the health of infants and children have their origin in the womb and are associated with the health-related behaviours of the mother. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy can result in foetal death, premature birth and/or low birthweight. Premature and low birthweight infants are more at risk of developing conditions such as coronary heart disease and stroke when older. Poor nutrition during pregnancy and in the early years of life can affect child development and growth and may also lead to chronic disease later in life. (Source: WHO 1999). The Commonwealth Government is placing a large focus on child & maternal health. Among other things, it seeks to reduce the number of Aboriginal expectant mothers who smoke and increase the birthweight of Aboriginal children. To view information about its Healthy for Life Program, click on the link below:  Healthy for Life (Commonwealth Department of Health & Ageing)Pangula Mannamurna seeks to improve child and maternal health by identifying problems and monitoring through health assessments. To arrange a bulk-billable health check for your child, contact us today. For more information about the Aboriginal child health check, click on the link below: Page last updated on 22 December 2006. http://www.pangula.org.au/population3.html |
